So here we go then, the #NewActros is nearly upon us. The big reveal is coming in about 20 minutes so hurry up and stop for a coffee. It is being revealed live on the internet through various MB Truck channels. Click the link: HERE

I’m sure Marco won’t mind me borrowing this, an unknown photographer but a good one! The supposed new Ford heavy truck range will be launched at the IAA Show in Hanover this coming September. I’m not to sure what it looks like but I bet Scania wish their designers had come up with the roof design! Looks good not sure on the headlights.

As I often do I get to hear about all sorts to do with our industry and often before they are made public. I had an anonymous message from a number I do not know and it contained some shocking news straight from a UK Scania dealer. My source did say that three other operator friends have been told the same and their V8 trucks that were on order have already been cancelled. The message read as follows;

“I don’t know if you are aware that Scania have a massive problem regarding V8 engine production…

Apparently a German foundry makes the engine blocks for V8 engines as well as some VW engines, parent group VW has had a massive dispute over supply problems ( I’m assured it ain’t a quality issue)… this has apparently led to the supplier refusing to supply any more engines.

Scania has removed the V8 engine from sale and all current orders will be cancelled, the salesman are trying to do you a deal on 500bhp 6cylinder trucks as it is impossible to get a V8, if you go on Scania configurator you can only build a 6 cylinder powered truck… I was told last week that my salesman urgently needed a meeting with me regarding my new truck order, I was told it wouldn’t be built, the salesman is currently taking orders for Feb/March next year and that all V8’s will be cancelled and until Scania finds a new foundry to supply engine blocks and thorough testing/trailing, it will be impossible to order one.”

To celebrate the introduction of the Volvo FH in 1993 – a quarter of a century ago – Volvo Trucks is releasing The Volvo FH 25 Year Special Edition. Available as both Volvo FH and Volvo FH 16, it is characterised by its distinctive exterior and interior design, superb driver comfort and state-of-the-art additional features.

The Volvo FH is one of the industry’s most successful models ever with nearly 1 million trucks sold since launch, creating a way of life for millions of drivers all over the world. The Volvo FH 25 Year Special Edition is therefore not only a celebration of the truck itself, but also a tribute to all the customers and drivers who have been driving this icon for the past 25 years.

“The Volvo FH is the perfect representation of a customer focused mind-set and a model that has been pushing the boundaries for a quarter of a century. This magnificent edition truck is therefore both a tribute to the first 25 years and a starting point for our continued successful journey with customers and drivers”, says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

“The first-generation Volvo FH meant so much for Volvo Trucks and the whole industry. It was a milestone; in fact, it was a game-changer that totally transformed the perception of a modern truck. Working on the design of the edition truck has been a real honour,” says Nigel Atterbury, Senior Graphic Designer at Volvo Trucks.

Cont/…..

The exterior of this special edition is best described as contemporary with a retro twist. The silver/grey and orange décor highlights the truck’s origin and the striping forms the number 25 to signal the anniversary. The striping combines 3D effects and shadows to echo the design trend of the early 1990s and gives the truck a distinct retro look. There are two launch colours, one darker, cool grey tone (Mammoth Tree Metallic) and a shiny red (Crimson Pearl), the latter a modern tribute to the original red cab colour of 1993.

When opening the door, a premium and luxurious interior awaits the driver. Safety has always been key to the Volvo FH and this passion is manifested by orange details in everything from seat belt stitches to curtains, carpets and reflective safety door decals. Using subtle, yet distinct accents, the design team has created a continuation of the safety and driver focus that has always been essential in the Volvo FH. And to enhance a great driving experience, the seats combine quilt and leather to offer exceptional comfort and design.

The limited edition truck also embodies how the Volvo FH has been, and remains, an innovation leader. It includes some of the truck’s latest breakthroughs and it can be specified with the brand-new extensions to Volvo Dynamic Steering:

“This truck really shows how Volvo Trucks is driving progress and continues to set new standards in trucking, just like the Volvo FH has done since 1993,” explains Tomas Thuresson, Global Long Haul Segment Manager at Volvo Trucks.

Tomas concludes: “It is a fantastic edition that pays tribute to a quite outstanding truck and the millions of people; customers, drivers and fans that have been engaged in the Volvo FH for 25 years.”

To summarise the official Volvo press release here are the basic details you all need to know;

Is this the face of a new Mercedes-Benz Actros Special edition???? As far as I know MBUK are one of the only nations in Europa not to have released a special edition and now the “new” Actros has been in the UK for just over 5 years so the time may be upon us! Yesterday I spotted these sister trucks at a well known UK body builder. Me being the Actros fan I am I couldn’t resist taking a couple of snaps. They are GigaSpace 6×2 tractors wearing the big 630hp badge with, side skirts, painted cat walks and some fancy livery. I can’t imagine they are for an operator so hopefully we’ll be seeing something about it in the press very soon. I’ll have one please, although I can’t decide between the black or silver!!

In stock here in the U.K., ready for delivery and registration. Spec as follows;

Scania S730 High Cab

2 x 6×2 and 1 x 4×2

Left Hand Drive

2 peddle opticruise

V8 leather package

Premium radio with sat nav

Fridge

Led spotlights in roof and grill

9ton front axles on air

All the toys you could want!

Need I go on?! Get yourself something nice with your Christmas money, surely Nannie gave you some vouchers??? Get yourself onto www.moodyinternational.co.uk and get yourself a happy new year. Love them or hate them, there aren’t many stock units in the U.K. so I can’t imagine they will be around for long. First come first served give Mr Moody a call……